TL;DR
Most people wear braces for 18–24 months, but treatment duration can range from 6 months to 3+ years depending on the type of braces, how complex your dental issues are, and how closely you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. The better your compliance and hygiene, the smoother and quicker your journey to a healthy smile.
Every Smile Is Different
One of the first questions we hear from new patients is, “How long do braces take?” And while we wish there was a one-size-fits-all answer, the truth is, it depends. Several factors determine and influence the duration of orthodontic treatment, including both general and individual factors, some within your control, and some not.
That said, there are some averages and benchmarks to keep in mind. Individual factors such as your dental condition, age, and how well you comply with your orthodontist’s instructions can all play a significant role in how long your treatment will take. Let’s take a look.
How Braces Work
Braces are one of the most effective orthodontic treatments for straightening teeth and correcting a wide range of dental issues, from crooked or crowded teeth to more complex bite problems. At their core, braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to your teeth using a combination of metal brackets, wires, and sometimes rubber bands. This steady force gradually shifts your teeth into their ideal positions, guided by your personalized treatment plan.
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces, known for their reliability in treating moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Metal brackets are carefully attached to each tooth, and a thin wire runs through them, connecting everything together. Your orthodontist will make regular adjustments, usually every 4 to 6 weeks, to tighten the wires and keep your treatment on track. These adjustments are essential for making steady progress and ensuring your teeth move safely and efficiently.
There are several types of braces available, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored materials for a more discreet look, making them a popular choice for those seeking an aesthetically pleasing smile. Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, keeping them hidden from view, while clear aligners offer a removable, nearly invisible option for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. No matter which type of braces you choose, patient compliance, wearing your appliances as directed and attending all scheduled appointments, is key to achieving the best results within your expected treatment time.
It’s normal to feel some discomfort, especially after adjustments, but this usually fades within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment, as braces can trap food and plaque, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing carefully around your brackets and wires will help protect your dental health throughout your journey.
Braces work best when you follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely, keep up with regular adjustments, and take excellent care of your teeth. With patience and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to a straighter, healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.
What’s the Average Treatment Time for Braces?
On average, braces treatment lasts between 18 to 24 months, but the total treatment time can range from 6 months to 3 years depending on:
- The type of braces (traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, clear aligners, or self-ligating braces)
- The severity of your teeth misalignment or orthodontic issue (like crowded teeth, misaligned jaw, or bite correction)
- Your age and bone density (adult orthodontic patients often take slightly longer)
- How closely you follow your orthodontist’s instructions
The need to wear braces as prescribed is crucial, as treatment with braces varies for each patient based on their unique situation.
Your Calgary Orthodontist will build a personalized treatment plan after an initial consultation, based on your goals, bite, and overall oral health.
Types of Braces and How They Affect Treatment Time
The type of dental braces you choose plays a big role in how long your treatment takes. All these options are designed to straighten teeth. Some options may work faster for certain cases, while others are chosen for cosmetic or comfort reasons.
- Traditional braces (metal braces) – Reliable and effective for all kinds of dental issues; usually the fastest option
- Ceramic braces – Blend in with teeth but may require a slightly longer treatment time
- Lingual braces – Hidden behind the teeth; require more precision and longer appointments
- Clear aligners – Great for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, but success depends heavily on wearing them 22+ hours/day
- Self-ligating braces – Use a specialized clip instead of elastic ties, which can reduce friction and shorten treatment time in some cases
Removable options like clear aligners are also considered orthodontic appliances and may be used alongside other appliances to help achieve the desired results.
What Slows Treatment Down?
Some factors are out of your hands (like jaw alignment conditions or hereditary crowding), but many of the common causes of delay are preventable:
- Missed appointments or skipped adjustments
- Not wearing rubber bands or removable appliances as instructed
- Eating sticky or crunchy foods, especially sticky foods, that can cause broken brackets or wires
- Broken brackets due to eating hard or sticky foods or other activities
- Poor oral hygiene that causes gum disease or tooth decay
- Forgetting to fix broken braces or wires right away
Delays or broken appliances can cause your teeth to shift in unintended ways, potentially prolonging your treatment.
Braces treatment is a partnership. Following your orthodontic instructions carefully, brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoiding sugary or carbonated beverages all help keep things on track.
Does Age Matter?
It can. Teenagers often experience faster tooth movement because their jaws are still growing and more responsive to treatment. Adults, on the other hand, may face slightly longer treatment durations due to denser bone structure and slower movement. In cases of severe crowding, adults may require tooth extraction to create space for proper alignment. Treatment plans for adults are tailored to individual needs and may involve the need to extract teeth to address complex alignment issues.
But here’s the good news: with today’s technology and an experienced orthodontist, age is no barrier to achieving an aesthetically pleasing smile and better oral health.
Why Compliance Is Everything
Your orthodontist is here to guide you, but you drive the results. It’s essential to follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully to ensure your treatment progresses efficiently and stays on track.
Patients who wear braces exactly as prescribed, stick to their treatment plan, maintain excellent oral hygiene, and attend regular appointments tend to finish faster and with better outcomes. You need to wear your appliances as directed; not following your orthodontist’s instructions can prolong your treatment.
If your orthodontist says to wear rubber bands full-time, don’t skip days. If a wire breaks, get it fixed. Small decisions and compliance with your orthodontist’s instructions can make a big difference in how long you’ll be in treatment.
Life After Braces: The Retention Phase
After removing braces, you’ll enter the retention phase, the time when you wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place while the bone stabilizes. The need to wear braces for a certain period comes first, and orthodontic treatment takes time, as each case is unique and requires patience for the best results. The retention phase is essential to maintain the outcome achieved after braces.
Without a retainer, your teeth can slowly shift back. So yes, retainers matter, even if your braces are off.
Final Thoughts: How Long Do Braces Take?
While most patients wear braces for 1.5 to 2 years, the actual timeline depends on the unique details of your smile and how well you care for your teeth during treatment.
Braces are a commitment, but they’re also one of the most effective orthodontic treatments for long-term results. Whether you’re dealing with crooked teeth, bite issues, or overcrowding, straightening teeth can improve your dental health, oral function, and self-confidence for years to come.
Your orthodontist will work closely with you to build a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals—just be sure to follow it.
Because the sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be smiling without brackets and wires!